Having high blood pressure should not be a barrier to travelling. In fact, all forms of travel should be fine if you have high blood pressure and it is well controlled, even long distance.
If your high blood pressure is not controlled by medication then your GP can advise you about whether it is a good idea to travel, especially if your journey involves flying, as high altitudes can have an effect on blood pressure.
Can you fly with high blood pressure?
Yes, but you should talk to your doctor before making any travel plans, however it is likely that you’ll be okay to fly if you have high blood pressure and it is well controlled with medication.
Travelling by air can be quite stressful in itself, with queues, security to clear and tight deadlines. If you are flying, try to reduce the amount of stress that could occur at the airport by arriving in plenty of time. If you’ve got an early flight, then it might be worth considering staying at an airport hotel the night before.
There are plenty of hotels to suit any budget, but aim to book one that’s close to the terminal you require. Allow plenty of time to clear security and bring extra medication in your hand luggage, along with a prescription, in case tablets go missing or more are needed when abroad. Your pharmacist can advise you of international generic and brand names for UK medicines.
If you have high blood pressure you might also be at a greater risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), so we’ve put together a handy graphic which shows you the easy exercises you can do while flying to help prevent DVT.
Does flying affect blood pressure?
Yes it can. At high altitudes, even in a pressurised aircraft cabin, passengers are at risk of hypoxaemia (low oxygen concentration in the blood). Although this isn’t felt by most people and won’t necesssarily affect people with a high blood pressure, if you have heart disease or heart failure – you could be more sensitive to hypoxaemia.
Take some snacks from home for the journey, as airlines tend to give out salty peanuts or crackers, which can increase blood pressure levels. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol and sedatives as they can make you more prone to staying in one position, or falling asleep, during the flight.
If your GP has expressed a concern about the altitude and you require an oxygen tank, these can be rented from the airline if you call in advance.
Can I take a blood pressure monitor with me?
Yes, certainly in your checked-in luggage. There is no benefit to checking your blood pressure while aboard a flight (unless you have been advised to do so under special circ*mstances by your doctor). If your doctor thinks you need to have one on board the flight, it is worth calling the airline to check that it is ok to bring aboard the plane.
Is there a blood pressure limit for flying?
There isn’t any legally imposed limit as far as we’re aware, but a high blood pressure must be controlled with medication before you travel for your safety. For example, blood pressure is considered high if over 140/90mmHg, so if your blood pressure is consistently above this value then it is important to reduce it.
Tips for travelling with high blood pressure:
- Buy travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions to cover any high blood pressure related medical costs, should you need treatment while you are away.
- Pack your medication in your hand luggage so that it is easily accessible during travel. Remember to pack extra medicines to cover for any delays or loss.
- Bring your own food as airlines tend to provide snacks with added salt which can increase blood pressure levels
- Avoid alcohol and any medication with a sedative effect – they can make you less active during a flight.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Carry written information on your medication and dosages, along with contact information on who to contact in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Please note: The materials in this post are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The article does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or have questions on the topics raised in this article, please consult your doctor.
Dr Claudia Pastides
MRCGP MBBS iBSc
Dr Claudia (Carmaciu) Pastides works as a GP in Marylebone. She graduated from University College of London Medical School in 2009 and is a London trained General Practitioner with a special interest in health promotion and health writing. Find her on Linkedin or Twitter
FAQs
Remember to pack extra medicines to cover for any delays or loss. Bring your own food as airlines tend to provide snacks with added salt which can increase blood pressure levels. Avoid alcohol and any medication with a sedative effect – they can make you less active during a flight. Drink plenty of water.
How can I lower my blood pressure on a fly? ›
If you take regular medications to manage your blood pressure, pack them to have them with you on the flight. The dry conditions in the cabin may also lead to dehydration, which can sometimes cause your blood pressure to rise. Be sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated before, during, and after your flight.
Is it safe to travel with very high blood pressure? ›
For most people, it is safe to fly with high blood pressure, but it is a good idea to consult a doctor before traveling. A person may have to carry their medication and move around as much as possible during the flight to reduce the risk of blood clotting.
Can I bring a blood pressure cuff on an airplane? ›
The answer is yes, you can bring your blood pressure monitor in your carry-on, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to pack your blood pressure monitor in your carry-on in a way that it will not get damaged. You may want to put it in a padded case or wrap it in a soft cloth.
Does high blood pressure disqualify you from flying? ›
The FAA realizes the problem and allows the examiner to take additional readings after you have time to become more relaxed—even the next day or so. Although your blood pressure may meet the FAA-ac- ceptable level of 155/95 or below, levels consistently above 140/90 should be of concern.
Does blood pressure drop on long airplane flights? ›
Typically, in-cabin air pressure is equivalent to that seen at 5000 to 8000 ft. Local hypoxia causes vasodilation (decrease in blood pressure) and increased capillary permeability, as well as increased ventilatory effort and heart rate.
Is high pressure bad for flying? ›
High-pressure systems mean less turbulence. The stable air associated with these systems reduces the vertical movement of air masses, making for smoother rides. The clear skies of a high-pressure system can also lead to rapid cooling of the Earth's surface, especially during the night.
How do you control blood pressure in high altitude? ›
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can increase blood pressure, so drink plenty of fluids. 3. Limit Salt Intake: Salt can increase blood pressure, so limit your intake.
What is the trick to lower blood pressure? ›
For those who have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring blood pressure down to safer levels. Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. Another possibility is high-intensity interval training.
Can blood pressure be too high to fly? ›
Can you fly with blood pressure? It is safe to fly with high blood pressure if the medical condition is well controlled. However, if your hypertension is extremely high and unstable, it is best to avoid boarding a plane. A consultation with your doctor before flying is primordial to know if you are fit to fly.
Patients with a baseline oxygen saturation of 90% or those with moderate HF may require an on-board medical oxygen supply. Those with severe or decompensated congestive heart failure should avoid flying commercially. Patients with implantable cardiac devices may need special attention when flying long distances.
Can I travel with blood pressure medication? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your trip, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection. We recommend, but do not require, that your medications be labeled to facilitate the security process.
What is the highest blood pressure you can fly with? ›
The average blood pressure while sitting should not exceed 155 mm mercury systolic and 95 mm mercury diastolic maximum pressure for all classes.
How much does blood pressure increase with altitude? ›
Research has found that exposure to very high altitudes of 5,400 meters could possibly lead to an increase of 14 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure within a 24-hour period. As mentioned before, this increased blood pressure can also lead to fatal cardiac arrest if not taken care of.
What illness can you not fly with? ›
if you suffer from or have had:
- angina or chest pain at rest.
- an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
- decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
- increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
- infection of your ears or sinuses.
- recent heart attack.
Patients with severe heart conditions, such as those with a history of heart failure, high or uncontrolled blood pressure, or moderate-severe pulmonary hypertension, or those recovering from heart attack or a stent procedure, should avoid traveling to high altitudes.
How do you keep blood circulation while flying? ›
General Tips:
- Try to keep your feet elevated by using the leg rests at the highest elevation. ...
- If you have an opportunity to move around the cabin, walk to the restroom and back.
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to avoid dehydration.
- Walk for 30 minutes before boarding the plane.
Swallowing and yawning: Swallowing can help open the Eustachian tube and equalize the pressure in your ear. Try chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or sipping water during takeoff and landing to encourage swallowing. Yawning can also help. Try yawning intentionally or opening your mouth wide as if you were yawning.
Dr Claudia (Carmaciu) Pastides works as a GP in Marylebone. She graduated from University College of London Medical School in 2009 and is a London trained General Practitioner with a special interest in health promotion and health writing. Find her on Linkedin or Twitter
